Attorney General Nick Brown has announced the resolution of a legal case against Puppyland and its owners. The company will pay $3.75 million to the state and cease its unlawful advertising and sales practices.
The lawsuit, initiated in April 2023 by the Attorney General’s Office in King County Superior Court, accused Puppyland of not honoring advertised health guarantees, directing customers towards high-interest loans, and using agreements that illegally restricted honest online reviews. Filed under former AG Bob Ferguson's administration, the lawsuit alleged misrepresentation of puppy breeding standards and health guarantees. Customers were reportedly pushed into loans with interest rates nearing 200% without adequate review time.
“Puppyland took advantage of people’s love for pets to maneuver them into taking on crushing debt for dogs with serious health issues, and then they tried to silence them,” said Brown. “This resolution will give pet buyers more transparency and require Puppyland to end its predatory sales tactics.”
Under the court-filed resolution, Puppyland must pay $3.75 million by June 30, 2026, with payments accruing 12% annual interest until complete. The Attorney General’s Office plans to focus consumer restitution efforts on those burdened with high veterinary bills due to unfulfilled health guarantees.
An estimated 7,000 individuals signed non-disparagement provisions at Puppyland's Washington stores since operations began in 2018. Records from every purchase will be provided to the office. Those eligible for restitution are considered a small segment of Puppyland’s Washington clientele.
Consumers who bought a sick puppy within a year from Puppyland may file claims for vet bill reimbursements by contacting puppyland@atg.wa.gov for future claims notifications.
Puppyland is required by court order to reform various sales and advertising practices.
The company operates one store in Puyallup; it previously ran a Renton store as well. Owners Kayla and Justin Kerr formerly owned Olympia-based Puppyworld.
Following Ferguson's lawsuit, HB 1424 was passed in 2023, aligning pet store operations with Pierce County ordinances. This law prohibits financing pet sales unless animals are sourced from USDA-licensed breeders or brokers; advertisements must include pricing range, age details, breeder information visibly displayed at store entrances.
Assistant Attorneys General Aaron Fickes, Ashley Gomez, Michael Hall, Juju Aldhaher, Michael Bradley, Alexandra Kory; Senior Investigator Renee Shadel; Paralegals Emin Aliiasov among others are managing this case for the Attorney General’s Office.
Washington's Attorney General provides legal representation across state agencies while enforcing laws related to consumer protection among other areas.